Ingredient focus : Bergamot

Bergamot is one of those ingredients you might have seen in perfume descriptions without knowing exactly what it is. You would be surprised to learn it is one of the most often used notes in the perfumer’s palette.

Bergamot orange is the citrus fruit of the Citrus bergamia, a small tree which blossoms during winter. The fruit is the size of an orange, with a yellow-green colour similar to a lemon. Production of bergamot mostly comes from the province of Reggio Calabria in Italy, where the soil and climatic conditions are ideal for its cultivation. Its fragrant essence is cold-pressed from the peel of unripe fruit.

Most people will probably associate its distinctive citrusy and peppery aroma with Earl Grey tea as it is one of its main ingredients.

Bergamot brings zesty freshness in a fragrance whether used as a main note or to add a fresh burst to the top notes.